BiZBash.com Idea Center to Debut in January The BiZBash.com Idea Center - a Web site including a database of New York-based event planners, public relations agencies, venues and caterers in more than 250 categories - will debut in January.
BiZBash.com founding president Richard Aaron, CSEP, CMP, said the site was born of a need to bring buyers and sellers of event products into one marketplace. "The event industry hasn't gone into full transaction of e-commerce online, which is the future of business," he said. "We want to be a resource tool to market partners who are looking for a new reach in e-commerce."
He added: "Seventy-five percent of people don't know where to turn to find resources. There are close to 100,000 events done each year in New York, and only 25 percent are done by professional people."
In addition to search engines, the site will offer editorial content including event coverage and checklists on how to plan events. An online newsletter, the "BiZBash Style Alert," will feature event tips and news on New York happenings.
Aaron said BiZBash.com will earn revenue in three ways - selling enhanced vendor listings, selling sponsorships and banner advertising, and taking a percentage of transactions initiated on the site.
In addition to its New York base, BiZBash.com plans to create similar marketplaces for Los Angeles and Chicago by the end of 2001.
David Adler has been named CEO and editorial director; Jonathan Adler serves as COO.
BiZBash.com 30 W. 26th St., Second Floor New York, NY 10010 646/638-3600; www.bizbash.com
Special Events Magazine Makes News on the Web Starting next month at www.specialevents.com, we will publish an industry news section detailing the latest mergers, acquisitions and other events happening in the industry. We will update the news on a weekly basis to keep up with the busy special event industry. Submit your news items to associate editor Keri O'Brien at [email protected], and then log on to www.specialevents.com to find out what's new!
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based special event rental supplier Prager Productions has acquired linen rental company Carmen's Tablecloths of Miami. Prager will expand Carmen's showroom to include party rental decor. Former owner Carmen Chadwick will remain creative designer. P.O. Box 8102, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33310; 954/784-3839; Web site: www.prager productions.com.
Arlington, Va.-based PGI, an event and communications agency, has opened an office in Detroit offering destination management and exhibition services. Susan Schneiderman will manage the new office. PGI Detroit, 26911 Northwestern Highway, Suite 300, Southfield, MI 48034; 248/262-1411; Web site: www.pgi.com.
Allied Hospitality Marketing, a sales and marketing company for hotels and destination management companies, has teamed with Pacific Experience DMC to promote the South Pacific for incentive and conference business. 51 E. 42nd St., Suite 1202, New York, NY 10017; 212/986-1885; Web site: www.pacificexperience.com.au.
Denver-based event design company Decor 'N More will move its theme inventory to a 10,000-square-foot warehouse in the city. Sales, administration and operations will remain at the headquarters. J.C. McDonald will manage the off-site facility. 4444 Morrison Road, Suite G, Denver, CO 80219; 303/936-9224.
New York-based experiential marketing company The Jack Morton Co. has changed its name to Jack Morton Worldwide to reflect its 30 locations in the United States, Europe and Asia. 641 Avenue of the Americas, Second Floor, New York, NY 10011; 212/727-0400; Web site: www.jackmorton.com.
